Voter’s Guide: Here’s some guidance to help understand the City and County of Denver ballot questions.

The 2024 City Ballot Issue Notice Booklet has been partially delivered, and the remaining ballot issues are accessible online. This enables Denver residents to engage thoughtfully with the 11 city measures up for consideration.

The double-sided ballot encompasses two City and County of Denver ballot issues, five referred questions, two initiated ordinances, in addition to a Denver Public Schools ballot measure and an RTD ballot measure.

Participating in elections is a vital opportunity for citizens to voice their perspectives and play an active role in shaping the future of our community.

Let’s begin our exploration of the City and County of Denver ballot.

Ballot Issue 2 Q

Sales Tax Increase for Denver Health

The measure seeks to increase sales and use taxes in Denver by 0.34% to generate $70 million annually starting January 1, 2025. The funds are intended to support and expand the Denver Health and Hospital Authority’s services, focusing on essential health services.

A “YES” vote approves the tax increase.

A “NO” vote means taxes will not be increased.

Funding healthcare, which provides emergency and trauma care, primary medical care, mental health care, drug and alcohol recovery services, and pediatric care to underserved populations and others, is much needed.

Ballot Issue 2R

Sales Tax Increase for Affordable Housing

The measure aims to increase sales and use taxes in Denver by 0.5% (equivalent to 5 cents on a $10 purchase) starting January 1, 2025. The objective is to raise $100 million annually for the next 40 years to help expand and preserve affordable housing for low- and middle-income families.

A “YES” vote approves the tax increase. It allows for the collection of funds until a detailed plan and purpose are defined and established.

A “NO” vote means taxes will not be increased.

The passage of this measure will burden residents who are already struggling with the cost of living. Opponents argue that the proposal needs to provide a detailed plan for how the funds will be used, raising concerns about accountability, effective use of the tax revenue, mismanagement, or inefficiency in how the money is allocated and spent.

Referred Question 2S

RQ 2S proposes elevating the Agency of Human Rights and Community Partnerships from an agency to a cabinet department of the Mayor.

A “YES” vote approves the change to a Cabinet department, and any future changes must be voter-approved.

A “NO” vote leaves the Department as an Agency subject to  Mayoral and City Council politics.

Referred Question 2T

RQ 2T proposes to remove the requirement that police officers and firefighters must be United States citizens to be eligible for these positions.

A “YES” vote means non-citizens, such as illegal residents or those with work permits, can apply for and serve as police officers and firefighters in Denver.

A “NO” vote disallows non-citizens to hold police and fire positions.

Supporters of this proposal argue that it enhances diversity and inclusion and fosters better relations between law enforcement and immigrant communities; however, this is misleading. In fact, it may lead to more legal and political complications.

Referred Question 2U

RQ 2U proposes to allow non-supervisory employees to form or join a union and negotiate as a group with the City and County of Denver over terms of employment, such as wages, benefits, and working conditions.

A “YES” vote passes the ordinance.

A “NO” disallows unions.

Allowing collective bargaining rights increases labor costs, leads to strikes or work stoppages that affect public operations, and interferes with management’s ability to make timely decisions.

Referred Question 2V

Referred Question 2V proposes an amendment to the Charter of the City and County of Denver, allowing binding arbitration to resolve disputes arising during collective bargaining between the City and its firefighters.

Here’s what it means:

Binding Arbitration: If the City and the firefighters reach an impasse (a situation where they cannot agree on terms), instead of using an advisory fact-finding process—which provides non-binding recommendations—a neutral third-party arbitrator would make the decision. This decision would be final and mandatory for both parties.

Advisory Fact-Finding Process: If negotiations stall, the City uses an advisory process where a fact-finder reviews the situation and makes recommendations. However, these recommendations are not binding, meaning either party can ignore them.

A “YES” vote would change how disputes during negotiations are resolved, making the outcomes enforceable rather than merely advisory.

A “NO” continues to allow disputes to be settled by advisory fact-finding.

Referred Question 2W

The proposed Question 2W aims to change the approval process for the salaries of elected officials in Denver, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest. Currently, city council members are required to vote on salary increases for elected officials, including their own, every year, which some argue creates a conflict of interest.

A “YES” vote supports the measure, streamlines the process of determining elected officials’ salaries, including council members, and ensures that adjustments are based on established economic indicators.

A “NO” vote opposes the measure.

Initiated Ordinance 308

IO 308 proposes to prohibit the manufacture, distribution, display, sale, or trade of certain animal fur products in Denver starting July 1, 2025, with some limited exceptions.

A “YES” vote supports the measure.

A “NO” vote opposes the measure.

Opponents argue that if this ordinance passes, many small businesses could close or be significantly impacted, and there is a concern that future measures may restrict personal choices, such as wearing fur items.

Initiated Ordinance 309

The measure proposes prohibiting the construction, maintenance, or use of slaughterhouses in the City and County of Denver starting January 1, 2026. It also requires the City to prioritize assistance for residents whose jobs are affected by this ordinance, specifically in workforce training or employment programs.

A “YES” vote supports this measure, meaning voters agree to ban slaughterhouses and support affected workers.

A “NO” vote opposes the measure, allowing slaughterhouses to continue operating in the City.

By prohibiting slaughterhouses, the land could be opened up for new developments, which could lead to changes in the neighborhood that do not align with the current community’s needs or desires.

Concerns could include gentrification, loss of local businesses, or the introduction of developments prioritizing profit over community welfare. Therefore, while the measure aims to support specific goals, it may also raise valid concerns about its long-term impact on the community.

Ballot Issue 4A

Measure 4A proposes that Denver Public Schools be authorized to take on additional debt through the largest bond package in history, totaling $975 million. This funding aims to improve school facilities, construct new schools, and implement safety measures without introducing new taxes. The total repayment amount for this debt will be $1.9 billion, which will be paid back using the property tax mill levy.

A “YES” vote supports the measure.

A “NO” vote opposes the measure.

Given the context of declining enrollment, potential school consolidations, unannounced school closures, and rising property taxes, the passage of this measure may present challenges.

Ballot Issue 7A

Measure 7A aims to allow the Regional Transportation District (RTD) to permanently keep revenue that would otherwise be refunded to taxpayers under the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR). Currently, RTD benefits from a temporary exemption from TABOR, which is set to expire.

A “YES” vote would extend RTD’s exemption from TABOR revenue limitations, enabling the district to retain its sales tax revenue.

A “NO” vote would mean that nearly half of RTD’s $670 million in annual revenue generated from sales tax would be subject to TABOR limits, potentially resulting in taxpayer refunds.

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